A Change of Pace

Living off the grid surrounded by gardens is not the typical lifestyle. This article is a brief summary of why the choice to go in this direction was made, and some of the organizational skills that may help in accomplishing such a lifestyle. This, of course, is from my perspective which may or may not apply to another’s particular situation. When I graduated from high school I was certain of the direction my life would take but as my college years rolled on I felt like I was drifting in the wind. I was finding out information that would add to the drifting that was taking me far from my certain direction of my high school days. I drifted towards movement, science, woodworking, electricity, mechanics, plumbing, gardening, etc. and philosophies of all sorts. At the end of my college career regular employment just was not in the cards because, in the first place by that time I was not interested, but also I really hadn’t developed the specialized knowledge needed to land a quality job. What I came up with is I had to build my own life, a ‘hand made life’. As I have found out it would take a lifetime to discover how to utilize the skills that I had learned along the way in a somewhat harmonious fashion with the mix of philosophies that came my way. I say somewhat because I find there is really no end product but a process and the goal is a striving towards an ideal. Although the goal is never reached it is such a rewarding lifestyle full of challenges, uplifting periods followed by defeat, all of the elements that makes living exciting. I can’t say I just woke up one morning and decided on this path, instead in time I found myself on the path. As time went on I acquired organizational skills that allowed me to proceed with such an endeavor. All through my educational years I was encouraged to focus in on a discipline and become proficient in a specialized field and a ‘handmade life’ asked a different way of viewing life. My background in science during my college years directed me into the Newtonian way of organizing my life, that is addressing different’ parts’ with the hope that the pieces would fit together as a ‘whole’. The handmade life includes more of the Goethian approach where the whole is considered and the parts are developed into the whole .Sometimes the whole has to be adjusted as time goes on, however if you really explore your core beliefs the whole can remain fairly constant, which is laid on a firm foundation of valid information and knowledge . The parts are adjusted to fit the whole, yet in some cases the parts just do not fit and are discarded. If you have chosen to live, or are considering a similar alternative lifestyle, chances are there are philosophical reasons for doing so. It helps to clarify these reasons, although of course, philosophy is a lifelong process and always changing. However, certain basic premises help in deciding what steps to take. I have several close friends that share the same basic philosophies but the subtle nuances have nudged all of us in somewhat different directions. We continue to debate over these small differences. A wide variety of information and knowledge on a diversity on topics such as the environment, economy, history, science, etc. helps in deciding the individual priorities in a handmade life. In our example we chose to focus more on our individual infrastructure, however, although it was not our main priority we still took time to grow food. In choosing what to focus on there has to be some kind of rationalization or thought process in reaching a decision. Our infrastructure consists of simple technology which can heat our house, deliver water to our household and gardens, is dependable, easy to maintain, and uses less resources than a conventional individualized infrastructure. Our infrastructure allows us to pare down our electrical needs while maintaining a comfortable lifestyle that is connected to the outer world. For example our land is being managed in order to hold water and minerals for plant growth and to encourage a diversity of life. This strategy enables us to grow food with very little irrigation (reducing our labor and resources) as well as holding the water back in heavy rains which decreases the water flowing downstream causing the flooding (outer world). We feel it is more important to focus on the infrastructure first because in subsequent years we will have a low throughput system in place to grow food whereas there may be a level of vulnerability if a high throughput system is in place. At times in this process it seemed that everything was turning upside down and many of past ways of organizing my life did not apply. Many times I had to throw out my assumptions and invent new ones. In other cases I happened to meet someone who would point me in a better direction. Everyone has their own style or way to address life and the following is just my style parts of it may not necessarily be useful for everyone. In any event whatever procedure that is chosen should be questioned as we often tend to do things as those around us have done them without pondering and questioning them. Getting started in a ‘hand made lifestyle’ can be challenging, especially if money is limited. Land prices have continually risen in recent decades preventing many from getting started. I began by renting land and proceeded by building a movable house. This was not optimal; however, it did allow me to get started instead of just dreaming about starting. In choosing a permanent site there are many variables to consider, such as; is there southern exposure, easy water access, the slope of the land, access to resources, accessibility, etc. and is best to take the time and not jump at the first property that comes along. Make sure the homework is done and know what you’re looking for. After finding the piece of land that feels right spend time to observe the topography and imagine what it could look like in the coming years. If there are obstacles what would it take to overcome them? If it is possible, camp out a few nights before purchasing the land which will enable more observation and maybe a chance to meet some of the neighbors which is another consideration. The more time spent in this phase will pay off down the road. Sharing land with like-minded people is a great option but also a double edged sword. Anytime there is a group of people one can share resources, costs, tools,and there is the possibility of sharing ideas which can be extremely helpful. There are so many positive reasons to join in on such a group endeavor, but on the other side, in time, differences among participates begin to appear. It is really important that everyone is starting out based on the same philosophical goals, especially if they are tied together financially. Honesty in what is wanted out of this community is very important as is not holding back core values thinking that others will come around to your way of thinking in time. Instead of being completely financially tied together there are communities that are not so tightly bound but have community activities and help each other achieve individual goals. One of the main considerations for Mary and I to go in this direction was the environment. It didn’t make sense to mine, process, ship and purchase new materials when there were so many resources being thrown out and filling up our landfills. When planning to build a house in our current culture architectural planning is where one starts. There is little flexibility after the plans are finalized because the size of the windows and doors are set forcing the builder to purchase new materials from the lumber yard or home center. The planning of the handmade home is quite different which starts with a vague ghostly image. This is where observational skills must be developed. Building materials seem to appear out of nowhere if you pay attention and start to know what you’re looking for. This resource observational – gathering skill is known as ‘the ready eye’ in certain cultures. If there is the possibility of using the free material in the vague ghostly plan, pick it up and store it from the weather. Since the storing from the weather is important looking for tarps and/or steel roofing is one of the first things to look for. As the resources are found the piles start mounting while making sure to keep some sort of organization and away from the building site. Remember there is a fine line between collecting the materials needed, or even might be needed but not sure, and becoming a hoarder where collecting becomes the goal and the true goal takes a back seat. Another thing to consider is how much time it takes to get rid of all the materials left over in piles after the main part of the building is over. Except for the tools that have to be put away out of the weather at the end of the day, I like to pick up debris (scrap wood, any trash, etc.) in the morning. This allows me to keep an eye on the ‘whole’ while I clean up. It is a great time to use your imagination, problem solve, or plan for the day ahead. Instead of focusing in on finishing a certain job before starting another I find it more advantageous to have many jobs going at once. This concept was difficult for me at first because when I grew up I had learned it was better to focus in on one job and then clean up before starting something new. When there are various projects going at once keeping an eye on the ‘whole’ becomes the habit instead of an eye on the ‘parts’. If anything gets in the way of going forward with one job - such as a misplaced tool, a needed material, weather or any other reason, another project is just waiting to slide into. It is much more efficient to travel to town to purchase materials for several projects than to get one job done at any cost. Of course, going to town in many cases can be combined with work, the library, or visiting with friends, all of which are important and make the trip worthwhile. The job that is being done often can be set up in some way to accomplish many tasks at once, for example, when we were clearing the land the brush was placed in delineated piles that became hoogles, the first step in forming our gardens. Moving on to a different job, or accomplishing more than one task with one job, should not be confused with multitasking. When doing any job the focus is what you are doing at the time. Of course, if something has to be done right away, such you have no water, the’ many jobs at once’ and ‘only go to town once’ theory goes out the window. For Mary and me, beauty is held in high regard. Having pleasurable surroundings raises our spirits and the quality of life. This beauty stands in direct opposition to the junk and materials stored in piles under different colored tarps and rusted steel roofing. As we start to use the materials the piles are torn apart and our resources begin to be strewn across the land. As time goes on the memory kicks in and you know exactly where a certain piece of wood, pipe or some other resource is laying. Sometimes just seeing a certain resource sparks an idea of how to move forward in a project. I first was introduced to this method from Dave, a mason. When the stones were delivered to build a fireplace the first thing he did was to spread them out into groups so they were all visible. After a short amount of time the memory of where a certain shaped rock is located sets in. The compromise between beauty and mess is made by segregating the mess to a certain area. The bad news is in the beginning there is quite a bit of mess and small amounts of pleasurable areas, but in time the mess starts to retreat and the piles start disappearing. During the morning clean up, materials that are not going to be used can be put away, where, in a pile of course.

The beginning of strewing out the marble. This is the only strewing process picture I could find. I guess we never thought this stage was worthy of a picture.

In the beginning small gardens remind you of what the future may look like.

​ We try to avoid purchasing specialized tools and instead utilize basic tools, including those that use electricity. For example, a simple circular saw can do the cutting for most of the building. It is true that a chop saw does the job much faster and precise, however, developing the skill of making accurate cuts with a circular saw is definitely rewarding. This is a great example of how philosophical beliefs can lead someone in a certain direction. I love using electricity, although we have friends who have built their home without the use of electricity and other friends who feel at home on a huge tractor. We all share basic principles and differ on the nuances. Certain building materials can also be more general instead of specialized and can be used in many ways. Most of the purchased materials that have been used in building our infrastructure have been bought at the local hardware store. It is good to get to know a knowledgeable sales person who will take the time to problem solve. Many times I have gone to the hardware store in search for an unknown gizmo and with help ended up with just the gizmo I needed to complete the project. It’s also important not to overlook other businesses that can offer help or materials needed such as sawmills, junk and scrap yards, auto parts stores, RV and marina supply stores, etc. In talking with everyone along the way the help always comes. Over time the different non specialized materials become familiar and the new projects become easier to visualize right from the start.

Mary and I are in Jacque's shop. Over the years I have purchased so many gizmos and materials from this man. Jacque is now 84 years old and still cuts his firewood and I can't even begin to describe how much I've learned from him. Yes, his shop looks a little messy but just ask him for something and if he has it he'll know where to find it. We have years worth of funny stories that keep us laughing when we get together.

​ We regard traveling as an essential part of the process. Whether the trip is only for a few days or for longer periods of time it is important to get away from the project to get more perspective. Mary and I love to travel by bicycle and camp, enabling us to meet more people with a wide range of ideas, actually see the areas we pass through at a slow pace, to contemplate life, and to get exercise all at the same time. When traveling at a slower speed there is always the uncertainty of where you will spend the night or where to purchase food. It is a great way to practice flexibility skills and sometimes you just might end up sleeping with sticks poking in your back and eating hotdogs and cookies for dinner while other times you’re in a cabin with a kitchen eating organic vegetables, it’s all in the roll of the dice. Since the cost of biking and camping is low we can usually extend our excursions. I find it useful to keep a journal when traveling to remember what you have seen and what ideas you have discovered. Not only when traveling but in everyday life, always take time to daydream. This is where the imaginary forces come up with great ideas, and be sure to write them down or you will forget them.

It's not only the riding during the day that makes the trip so enjoyable but also the sharing the campsite with people of all ages and walks of life.

We traveled with this group for about a week. Several weeks later we happened to run into Sarah and Andy, the couple in the background in San Francisco.

Sarah and Mary crossing the Golden Gate Bridge. Sarah said we could be Andy and her honorary grandparents. What, GRANDPARENTS!

Keeping a journal is so rewarding, especially on a trip. Years go by and these pages recall all the great times you had. Not only that, but somehow the bad times turn into good times when reading the journal.

​ There are pluses and minuses in a ‘hand made life’. In picking any lifestyle the pluses have to outweigh the minuses and it all depends on one’s individual background, personality and experiences. In my case the pluses are easy to list; more time is your own, variation in jobs, less vulnerability to economic changes, and many more. However, the minus are real and are not for everyone. Since there is no blueprint many times you can find yourself making things up as you go along. Planning helps minimize this but the individual has to be flexible and accept roadblocks as part of the process. There has to be self-motivation because no one is telling you to keep working or telling you what or how to do whatever needs to be done. I think the most important minus is that life can be uncomfortable at times. When things go wrong they usually go wrong for a period of time until a remedy is found. In times like these, flexibility, self-motivation and a strong commitment to the core philosophies and goals are a must